Newton, the winner for Auburn in 2010, referred to Watson as "my little brother" during a news conference on Wednesday. Watson, from Gainesville, Georgia, played on the first 7-on-7 all-star team that Newton took to a national tournament in Florida in 2012.

Newton says he first met Watson when he was a junior in high school and says "he was always eager. He was like a sponge."

The Tigers are ranked No. 1 in the country. Watson is coming off a big game against Syracuse, completing 34 of 47 passes for 360 yards and two touchdowns and running for 101 yards and another score.